Judge dismisses case against Groton teacher

New London – A judge in New London on Wednesday dismissed the case against a Fitch High School teacher charged with a breach of peace following a reported altercation with a 14-year-old student in November.

Leonard Burke, 66, of Mystic, was initially charged with breach of peace, a misdemeanor, following investigation into an assault complaint.

A student in Burke’s algebra class complained that Burke had grabbed him and used his arm to block his exit from a hallway alcove while scolding him for not completing his homework, according to the arrest warrant affidavit in the case.

Burke told police that when the student tried to walk away he used his arm to guide the student back to where he was speaking with him and the student may have bumped into his arm, the warrant states.

The case had been pending in New London Superior Court where on Wednesday Judge Karen A. Goodrow dismissed it. No reason for the dismissal was noted in the file. Prosecuting attorney Rafael I. Bustamante declined comment and Burke’s attorney Stephen McEleney, was not available for comment.